New Co-CEOs leading Port of Nanaimo

Ian Marr (Left) and Mike Davidson (Right) are the Port of Nanaimo's new Co-CEOs

NANAIMO - Two long-time managers at the Port of Nanaimo will share the Chief Executive Officer duties on an interim basis for the foreseeable future.

Ian Marr, Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration, and Mike Davidson, Vice President of Real Estate, will co-manage the position. Ewan Moir left his position as President and CEO October 19 as reported in theTimes Colonist newspaper last week.

Mr. Moir became CEO after the retirement of former CEO Bernie Dumas a year ago.

“We are very pleased to have two quality individuals who have served the Port so well for many years who are willing, capable and able to help steer the path for the foreseeable future,” says NPA Chair Michelle Corfield. “Both Ian and Mike have excellent reputations and are well-liked and respected within the NPA organization, and in the community.”

Originally from Scotland, Marr started working for the Nanaimo Harbour Commission, as it was then called, in 1987, in property leasing. A Certified General Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant, he has been in his current position for five years.

Davidson was raised in Nanaimo, and is well known in local basketball circles, starting with being a member of the 1978 provincial high school basketball champions from Nanaimo District Senior Secondary School.

After graduating from Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), he joined the Port in 1985 and has been in managing Port properties since 1992.

“The Port of Nanaimo has a lot of good things going right now,” Davidson says, pointing to the recently announced $18 million Vehicle Processing Centre, and the $10 million Western Canada Marine Response Corporation operation, as well as the expected arrival of the Island Ferry Service from downtown Nanaimo to downtown Vancouver foot passenger ferry that is anticipated to start next year following the completion of negotiations for a terminal site in Vancouver.

“The combination of skills and background from Mike and Ian puts us in very capable hands during this transition time,” says NPA Vice Chair Donna Hais. “The decision to let them share the CEO position has been well received by our staff and clients.”

One of the major projects Davidson and Marr worked together on was the popular waterfront walkway, which extends over both Port and City of Nanaimo property from downtown Nanaimo to the Brechin Point boat launch.

“The NPA Board would like to thank Mr. Moir for his service over the past year,” says NPA Chair Michelle Corfield. “He made some strong contributions to our operations, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours.”